A VOLUNTEER police officer has been found guilty of gross misconduct in connection with an application for a paid role with Avon and Somerset Police.

A hearing concluded that the special constable, who cannot be named for legal reasons, would have been dismissed.

He was alleged to have failed to declare previous employment disciplinary action taken against him in 2018 when applying for a paid role within the constabulary in February 2019.

Alleged breaches of the Standards of Professional Behaviour were proven at a hearing at police headquarters.

The panel ruled yesterday (Friday) they amounted to gross misconduct. He will be barred from policing.

Simon Wilstead, Head of the Professional Standards Department, said: “All police officers and staff are required to declare any misconduct matters relating to previous employment as part of the recruitment process.

“Our vetting procedures are our first line of defence in safeguarding our communities by ensuring police officers and staff uphold the highest standards of behaviour and transparency.

"Failing to disclose serious misdemeanours risks undermining public confidence in the Constabulary.”